Paris, Block by Block: An Illustrated Guide to the Best of France's Capital

by Cierra Block

Paris is seen the world over as one of the most beautiful, romantic and iconic cities you can visit, and it has more places to eat and things to see than you could manage in a lifetime. Paris, Block by Block is the essential guide to the unmissable places to go, covering everything from restaurants to boutiques, galleries to parks, all illustrated with 50 of Cierra Block's distinctive maps. Each map starts with an idea – it might be, Where's the best croissant in Paris? What is the place everyone should visit in the Latin Quarter? Or, where can you lose hours people-watching? From there, Cierra has curated a list of the best places from Montmartre to The Marais, Champs Élysées to St-Germain, and has painted a charming accompanying map. Patisserie to fashion, the most impressive views to Seine-side activities, there really is something for everyone.The follow-up to 2022's London Block by Block and 2023's New York Block by Block, this book will be an inspiration for all, whether it's your first visit to the city, a seasoned traveller or an all-your-life local. That's the wonderful thing about Paris – there's always more to explore!

Genres: Travel

176 pages, Hardcover

Published May 30, 2024

Reviews

[H (trying to keep up with GR friends) Balikov · Rating 4 out of 5]

Any book that promises “the best” is full of opinion as much as fact. I can verify some of the contents and was disappointed that others were not mentioned.

The good:
Nice organization both by topic and by arrondissement. (see below)

The less good:
The illustrations are cute rather than very helpful.
Pictures would have been better.

"PARIS BY FOOD Café culture has been a way of life in Paris since the first café opened in the 1600s. Parisian cafés are typically quite small and intimate and can be found on almost every corner (there are over 1,500 in the city). Local bistros, often family-run, are the perfect places to enjoy the ambience of the city while enjoying a glass of wine alongside classic French dishes."

"The first pâtisserie was opened in 1730 by Nicolas Stohrer, pastry chef to King Louis XV. Still in operation today, Stohrer’s pâtisserie introduced a world of new desserts and possibilities. In the centuries since, French chefs have developed unique styles of pastry-making, characterized by the use of high-quality ingredients, fine attention to detail and a strong emphasis on creativity. These chefs are always looking for new and innovative ways to create and are not afraid to experiment with different flavours, ingredients or methods, which is why they are so often unique and interesting. French pâtisserie is enjoyed all over the world, but there is nothing quite like experiencing it first-hand in Paris."

The table of contents has an easy organization to it. Take a look at the four sections and the contents of each:
"CONTENTS PART ONE Paris by Food
Cheese Chocolate Bakeries Coffee Shops Ice Cream Food Markets Pâtisseries Brunch Cafés & Bistros Classic Desserts Hot Chocolate Restaurants

PART TWO Paris by Locales
Canal Saint-Martin The Marais The Latin Quarter Île de la Cité & Île Saint-Louis Saint-Germain-des-Prés Rue du Bac Montmartre The Seine Opéra Louvre Bastille Bois de Boulogne

PART THREE Paris by Interest
Impressionist Paris Revolutionary Paris Literary Paris Cycling Paris Castles & Palaces Charming Streets Best Views Children’s Paris Museums Bookstores

PART FOUR Paris by Season
Paris in Spring Paris in Summer Romantic Paris Paris in Autumn Paris in Winter Festive Treats
Tips for Exploring Paris"

Helpful, handy and tempting even when there is dispute as to what constitutes “the best.”

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5

[CJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charming little travel guide for Paris. The author organizes the book by topic and area, and gives tips for places to visit. ( example: where to get best hot chocolate and pastries). Illustrations are also done by the author and are very cute. I will reread this before visiting Paris in October

[Elly Conklyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super helpful and easy to digest if you’re traveling to a city for the first time. I had no idea where to start my itinerary for my upcoming Paris trip and by the time I finished this book I had probably upwards of 100 spots that I want to hit up. Will edit this review after my trip based on the caliber of the recommendations 🤡

[Claire Q · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I had had this guide when I visited Paris, as I was very near some of these places without realizing! Particularly liked section two, the neighborhoods.

[Abby Weaver · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was extremely helpful and not super overwhelming like some other travel books I have tried. I loved how the author organized by interests and seasons.

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable! Perfect for getting some great tips before our upcoming trip.